The coast of the Phlegraean Fields is a unique example worldwide due to the sinking of the ancient coastal strip and the consequent transformation of the territory. What is preserved underwater here thus represents an exceptional heritage for its uniqueness. The Underwater Park extends along the coast of Bacoli and Pozzuoli, between the head of the pier at the southern limit of Baia harbor and the Lido Augusto pier, over a stretch of sea sloping from the shore to a depth of about fifteen meters. Some of the submerged structures, already investigated, are currently buried in sand; others have only been identified from aerial photos. Among the main submerged buildings still visible are: the imperial nymphaeum of Punta Epitaffio, the villa of the Pisones, the “a protiro” villa, so called because of the presence of a portico in front of the entrance. In addition, there remains a sector of the urban space, of which some tabernae facing the aforementioned residence are visible, and remains of a thermal complex, as well as a semicircular fishpond at the southern end of the inlet. As for Portus Julius, only a sample area has been explored, where it was possible to identify a large quadrangular warehouse with a central courtyard. The sculptural furnishings of these building complexes, recovered thanks to underwater excavations carried out last century, are currently exhibited in the new setup of the Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields in Baia.
Information about Baia Underwater Park
Via Lucullo, 94
80070 Bacoli (Naples)
081.5232739
centrovisiteampbaia@gmail.com; associazionefillirea@gmail.com
https://www.areamarinaprotettabaia.eu
Source: MIBACT
